Production Manager
Position Summary
The Plant Manager is accountable for the overall performance of the Smyrna facility, including production execution, maintenance and reliability, quality systems, inventory and shipping, and capital/project execution. This leader will build strong teams, establish operational discipline, and drive measurable improvements in safety, uptime, yield, and cost while ensuring full compliance with OSHA/EPA and internal standards.
Key Responsibilities
Safety, Environmental & Compliance (Top Priority)
- Lead with a zero-incident mindset, setting expectations and ensuring safe work practices across all departments.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local/state regulations; maintain readiness for audits/inspections.
- Champion process safety where applicable (e.g., PSM/RMP awareness, MOC discipline, incident investigations, corrective actions).
- Drive training effectiveness (LOTO, hazard communication, confined space, hot work, forklift, PPE, etc.).
- Own and improve site metrics including TRIR, near misses, corrective action closure rates, and safety observations.
Operations Leadership
- Deliver production plans while meeting or exceeding quality, service, and cost targets.
- Lead daily/weekly operating rhythm: tier meetings, Gemba walks, KPI reviews, problem-solving.
- Optimize staffing, shift coverage, and cross-training to ensure reliable execution.
- Partner with Supply Chain to manage raw material availability, inventory levels, and finished goods shipment performance.
Maintenance & Reliability
- Oversee preventive/predictive maintenance strategy to improve OEE, uptime, and asset reliability.
- Reduce unplanned downtime through root cause analysis (RCA), disciplined work order processes, and planning/scheduling.
- Manage critical spares, contractor performance, and reliability KPIs (MTBF/MTTR where applicable).
- Ensure mechanical integrity practices are followed for critical equipment.
Quality & Technical Performance
- Ensure compliance with site quality systems (ISO or internal QMS where applicable).
- Maintain product conformity through strong controls: batch records, QC testing, deviations, CAPA, and change control.
- Partner with R&D/Technical teams on new products, scale-ups, and continuous improvements.
Continuous Improvement & Financial Performance
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma tools to improve yield, throughput, cycle time, cost per unit, and waste reduction.
- Develop and manage plant budgets (labor, maintenance, overhead), delivering cost targets and productivity goals.
- Identify and execute capital projects; manage scope, timeline, and ROI.
- Use data to manage performance and sustain gains through standard work and accountability.
People Leadership
- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and development-hire, coach, and develop leaders and frontline teams.
- Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and training plans.
- Lead labor relations effectively if a union environment exists (optional-include if applicable).
Success Metrics (Example Outcomes)
- Improved safety performance (TRIR reduction, audit findings closed on time)
- Increased plant uptime/OEE and reduced unplanned downtime
- Improved on-time delivery and production schedule attainment
- Reduced cost per unit via yield improvement, waste reduction, and energy optimization
- Sustained compliance with EHS/Quality standards and strong audit performance
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including chemical or process manufacturing.
- 3+ years leading a plant/large department with accountability for safety, production, and maintenance outcomes.
- Strong understanding of EHS compliance and controls in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success driving KPI improvements (safety, uptime, throughput, cost, quality).
- Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels.
FAQs
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